Why do Swiss letterboxes need official name tags?
Because the post needs it: the Postal Ordinance says a letterbox must carry the occupant's complete and readable address. On top of that, many property managements want one matching, engraved tag on the bell and the letterbox.
Ep. 28 · Ueli's Word · 54 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
A name on the letterbox is not decoration in Switzerland: without a readable name, your post may not reach you. Many buildings also order uniform engraved tags for every flat, and a handwritten label can bring a friendly letter. As a newcomer, ask the Verwaltung for your tag in your first week.
Blüemli's verdict: Ding. Name required. Your letterbox must carry a full, readable name. Many Verwaltungen want matching tags.
NAMENSSCHILD: literally: “name sign”; really: the matching tag on your bell and letterbox Ueli's Word
Be like Ueli. Engraved. Not handwritten.
Learn more: The moving to Switzerland checklist
The rule, explained
The Postal Ordinance (VPG, SR 783.01), Article 73, says the letterbox must be labelled with the complete and readable address of the occupant. Beobachter, the Swiss consumer magazine, sums it up the same way: the post needs a complete, readable name on your letterbox. Beyond the law, many multi-family buildings have the management or the caretaker order uniform labels for the bells and letterboxes, so every tag looks the same. That is why a name written with a marker can draw a letter from the Verwaltung, and why the engraved tag is the safe choice.
Sources: Postal Ordinance (VPG, SR 783.01), Art. 73, on fedlex; Beobachter, Muss der Vorname an den Briefkasten?
Questions people ask
Is a name on the letterbox required in Switzerland?
Yes. The Postal Ordinance asks for a complete, readable address on the letterbox (Art. 73 VPG).
Can I just write my name on the letterbox?
The post needs it readable; many Verwaltungen want a uniform tag, so ask yours first.
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